The largest masonry dome on earth, Florence's cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a masterpiece of ingenuity and a source of mystery. Historians and engineers have long debated how its architect, kept the dome perfectly aligned and symmetrical as the sides rose and converged toward the center. To test the latest theories, a team of U.S. bricklayers will help build an experimental, mini-Duomo, using period tools and techniques.

The mystery of the dome of the Santa Maria fel Fiore has long been studied. Now, here is a visual presentation of just how the dome was actually constructed and the unknown challenge of each brick of the dome is explored in great detail.

This is an awesome program for anyone who has read about or been to Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. Brunelleschi's accomplishment is amazing and is a standing testament to the power of creative thinking.

Incredible that 6 centuries ago this was accomplished and still safely standing and in use. The mystery was a long time in solution and called for the help of master masons from the U.S. who had never before seen anything like this. They helped solve the mystery. Very interesting story.